The Promise (Short Story)

Its the last day of school. Sanya is sitting in her classroom sharing memories with her friends when suddenly her maths teacher Ms. Beck approaches her with a puzzled look.
"Ms. Thomas left for Delhi a few days back. She gave me this packet before leaving and asked to give it to you on your last day of school. Said she had promised this to you years back.....if you dont mind...whats the story? I mean I know Ms. Thomas is pretty attached to her students, but never before have I seen her do something like this.."

<Sanya's flashback>

Its the last day of primary school. Sanya goes to her headmistress' office to collect her report card. She's got third rank in her class this time - improvement from last year's fifth. Ms. Thomas is pleased with her progress but worried about her future.

<Ms. Thomas' flashback>

Annual day celebration preparations are going on. Sanya is standing in a corner of her classroom watching people silently. The dance teacher is very worried. The lead singer of her dance's playback is sick...who will she substitute with only 5 days to go? Enter Ms. Thomas.

"Ms. Rose, looks like you have'nt got a substitute singer yet...Sanya, come here..what are you doing just standing there? Cant you tell Ms. Rose you can sing? How will she get to know without you telling her for heaven's sake? Here...Ms. Rose, your problem's solved."

2 days later. Ms. Rose is worried again, its one of her dancers this time. This one's a real trouble - she could have managed without a singer...but what would she do without a dancer? She decides to ask Ms. Thomas, if she could help with a singer, she might as well know about a dancer.

"Ms. Thomas, problem again, one of our dancers has backed off. Do you know if anyone can replace her?"

"Well...lets try with your group of singers, they've been watching the practice sessions closely, maybe one of them can pick up the dance steps."

"You are right Ms. Thomas, I think its the best we can do with only 3 days in hand. Lets ask all of them to show whatever steps they've picked up so far."

Each singer from the band tries one by one. As always, Sanya is last one to come forward. And when she does, Ms. Rose is dumbfound. How could Sanya copy all steps without ever actually doing them before?

</Ms. Thomas' flashback>

"Sanya, my child. Here's your report card. So, now you'll be moving to high school...all set?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Sanya, before you go, there is something I need to tell you. Promise me you will try to live up to it."

"Yes ma'am. Promise."

"So, listen carefully. If you know something, you've got to tell it to the world yourself. Nobody is going to discover it by themselves. If you dont speak up for yourself, nobody else would. First you have to show the world what you have got, earn people's respect, their praise and then they will start recognising you. I know you are good, but thats not enough - you yourself should know it first, then show the world what you're worth. Thats called confidence, and thats what you need to build up. Got my point?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good. So if you keep up your promise Sanya, there will be gift waiting for you when you leave school to achieve greater heights. And, mind you, you are third this time, you've got to be at the top that day."

</Sanya's flashback>

Sanya is all tears. Ms. Beck gives her the packet. Sanya opens the gift wrap with trembling fingers. And inside is a set of Parker pens.

All Sanya can manage to say is "Ms. Beck, I kept my promise, and Ms. Thomas kept hers."